Break ignition plug and ignition device

ABSTRACT

Break ignition plug and ignition device for piston motors and the like with a battery or any other current supply means, wherein a magnet coil acts upon an armature which, via connection means, actuates a movable electrode cooperating with a stationary electrode and wherein an ignition pulse passes through the magnet coil and a short-circuit line section between the movable and the stationary electrode, the magnet field building up in the magnet coil causing the breaking of the short-circuit line section with corresponding spark formation as well as an air supplying device which allows for better atomization of the fuel. The armature, and/or the connection means and/or the electrode are movable, in particular are rotatable, transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the ignition plug. At least one of the electrodes possesses a substantially saw-toothed shaped construction.

[ 1 Sept. 23, 1975 3,693,607 9/1972 Pasbrig 123/169 EL Primary Examiner-Alfred L. Brody Attorney, Agent, or FirmWerner W. Kleeman ABSTRACT Break ignition plug and ignition device for piston motors and the like with a battery or any other current supply means, wherein a magnet coil acts upon an armature which, via connection means, actuates a movable electrode cooperating with a stationary electrode and wherein an ignition pulse passes through the magnet coil and a short-circuit line section between the movable and the stationary electrode, the magnet field building up in the magnet coil causing the breaking of the short-circuit line section with corresponding spark formation as well as an air supplying device which allows for better atomization of the fuel. The armature, and/or the connection means and/or the electrode are movable, in particular are rotatable, transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the ignition plug. At least one of the electrodes possesses a substantially saw-toothed shaped construction,

BREAK IGNITION PLUG AND IGNITION DEVICE Inventor: Max Pasbrig, Orselina, Switzerland Assignee: Lacrex Brevetti S.A., Minusio,

Switzerland Filed: Aug. 19, 1974 Appl. No.: 498,736

Related U.S. Application Data Continuation of Ser. No 314,014, Dec. 11, 1972, abandoned.

U.S. Cl....... 313/125; 123/143 R; 123/1465 A; 313/149; 313/152 Int, l-IOIT 13/24 Field of Search 313/125, 126, 149, 152, 313/146; 123/169 EL, 169 EC, 143 R, 146.5 A

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS United States Patent Pasbrig 313/126 X Sutton. 313/126 X 313/125 Mildebrath.,................,..

8900 0 4 999 HHH 047 US Patent Sept. 23,1975 Sheet 1 of9 3,908,146

US Patent Sept. 23,1975 Sheet 2 of9 3,908,146

FIG. 2

US Patent Sept. 23,1975 Sheet 3 019 3,908,146

FIG. 5

US Patent Sept. 23,1975 Sheet 5 of9 3,908,146

US Patent Sept. 23,1975 Sheet 6 of9 3,908,146

59 67 FIG.

US Patent Sept. 23,1975 Sheet 7 of9 3,908,146

FIG. 12

1 BREAK IGNITION PLUG AND IGNITION DEVICE CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED CASE This application is a continuation application of my commonly assigned, copending US. application Ser. No. 3l4.0l4. filed Dec. ll. I972 and entitled Break Ignition Plug And Ignition Device", now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a new and improved break ignition plug and ignition device for piston engines and other applicaations wherein a magnet coil acts upon an armaature which, through the agency of connecting means, actuates a movable electrode cooperating with a stationary electrode, and wherein an ignition pulse passes through the magnet coil and a shortcircuit line section or path between the movable and the stationary electrodes, the magnetic field buildingup in the magnet coil causing a breaking or interruption of the short-circuit line section with corresponding spark formation.

With respect to conventionally used ignition plugs with stationary electrode, the make and break ignition plugs, hereinafter simply referred to as break ignition plugs, have the advantage that even at relatively low voltages they produce vigorous ignition sparks. At a time when the high ignition voltages used nowadays were still not very well controllable, experts tried repeatedly, but without any decisive success, to use in practice break ignition plugs. The reasons for the failure of break ignition plugs have never been completely clarified. Apart from the burning, the smearing of the interruption contacts, the sooting and similar inconveniences and disturbances it is probable as recognized by the present invention that the failure of break ignition plugs could be ascribed to the periodically strongly changing pressure in the piston engines or motors. This is also proven by the fact that break ignition plugs for continuously burning engines or motors, i.e. for injection drive mechanisms work satisfactorily. It should be noted that in these engines the pressure in the combustion chambers remains practically constant.

An especially considerable difficulty is mainly due to the fact that the magnet coil and the armature must produce relatively large forces since, at the breaking or interruption of the short-circuit line section or path, it is necessary to overcome the large forces due to the compression pressure which load the movable electrode,

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Proceeding from this state of the art, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved break ignition plug and ignition device wherein there is maintained as small as possible the forces to be overcome at the breaking and which have to be produced by the armature and the magnet coil.

According to the invention this aim is attained by having the armature and/or the connecting means and- /or the electrode moving, in particular rotating, transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the ignition plug. Further there is provided an air supplying device for permitting of better atomization of the fuel.

The armature and/or the connecting means and/or the electrodes are preferably mounted to be rotatable in a plane transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis ofthe ignition plug. As may be readily seen, there results the advantage that. at the moment of the interruption or breaking, the magnet coil and the armature must not necessarily produce large forces. In the case of a known and conventional installation wherein, at the interruption or breaking, the movable part of the electrode is displaced by the armature in axial direction, i.e. in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the force loading the movable part of the electrode on the contrary is very high, since said force, in first approximation. results from the product of the leading front surface of the movable electrode with the high compression pressure. In the case of the crosswise or transverse displacement or rotation according to the present invention no such high forces will be generated.

According to one preferred embodiment there are provided means which prevent the magnet force cre ated between the armature and the magent coil from changing when the ignition plug undergoes progressive consumption. It is advantageous if the contact surfaces of the armature and the relative stationary pole pieces of the magnet coil are inclined with respect to the axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ignition plug. In this manner there is ensured that, when the movable electrode rigidly connected with the armature undergoes progressive burning-off or consumption, the air gap between the armature and the relative pole pieces of the magnet coil does not appreciably increase. An increase of the air gap would be in fact very disadvantageous since it would cause a very strong (over proportional) decrease of the intensity of the available magnetic force, this decrease being very undesirable for the reasons heretofore mentioned.

According to a further preferred embodiment, in order to avoid variation of the magnet force when the electrode undergoes progressive consumption or burnoff the armature is located such that when the shortcircuit line section is interrupted, the armature with the relative pole pieces is covered completely or partially.

It is also possible to use break ignition plugs and ignition devices for engines or motors other than piston engines or motors, hereinafter simply generally referred to as engines, as well as for other applications.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the magnet coil has a horseshoe-like core associated therewith or the armature is formed as a permanent magnet. According to a further especially desirable embodiment the armature is substituted by a coil having a current flowing therethrough or said armature is provided with such a coil and the magnet coil is correspondingly adapted thereto.

According to a further very special and preferred embodiment, a movable electrode is rhythmically displaced between two stationary electrodes and use is made of a magnet system with a commutation device.

It has proven to be particularly advantageous to mount the rotatable armature with each arm opposed to a pole piece formed by the ends of at least an iron core contained within the magnet coil in such a way that. by exciting the coil, the two arms of the armature are attracted by the pole pieces in opposition to the action of a spring pressing the armature in that position in which the distance between the armature and the pole pieces is minimal and in which the movable electrode contacts the stationary electrode, said attraction causing a rotation of the armature.

According to a further preferred embodiment, an armature placed between the pole of a strong permanent magnet will have a corresponding number ofwire windings wound thereon similarly as a rotating winding galvanometer, so thaat by having current flow through said windings said armature will be rotated against the action of a spring and so that by this rotation the movable electrode will be moved away from the stationary electrode perpendicular to the axis of the ignition plug.

It has proven to be particularly advantageous to com pensate the variation of the position of the armature due to a progressive burning of the electrode by an adjustment of the armature or to provide for replacement of the movable and/or the stationary electrode. It is particularly convenient to surround the movable electrode, connected with the armature via connecting means, with an insulating body at least composed of two portions and substantially in the form of a cylinder and to have the stationary electrode shaped in the form of a disk provided with a corresponding discontinuity as well as to cover the insulating body and the stationary electrode with a tubular cap or sleeve screwed with its upper end to the casing for the operation of the plug in such a way that the movable and the stationary electrodes come to a very close mutual contact. The cap sleeve is provided with an external thread for fixing the plug in the the engine block. With this disposition it is particularly advantageous to have the movable electrode detachably connected with the armature and provided at the connecting means with a joint which, together with the insulating body, serves as support for the movable electrode. It is also advantageous to shape the disk-like stationary electrode as well as the joint of the cap sleeve at their contact surfaces in such a way that, by a rigid rotation of the cap sleeve, the stationary electrode is pressed with a definite force against the movable electrode and hence against the spring used for restoring the armature to position.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the break motion displacement is produced by having an armature attracted by an excited horseshoe-like magnet coil located parallel to said armature, said attraction operating in opposition to the force of a spring.

According to a further preferred embodiment, an excited or energized horseshoe-like magent coil attracts and tilts an armature oscillating or rotating about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the plug. The force of attraction working in opposition to the action of a spring, the movable electrode being thereby moved away from the stationary electrode.

In all the mentioned embodiments it is suitable and advantageous to have the current flow via a junction piece, the coil and a slip ring to the connecting piece located between the armature and the movable electrode and from this one via the stationary electrode to earth.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the break plug of the invention, a movable electrode is caused to oscillate back and forth between two stationary electrodes, an ignition pulse passing through a shortcircuit line section between the movable and one of the two stationary electrodes. In this way, moving the movable electrode away from one of the stationary electrodes and towards the other stationary electrode will break up the short-circuit line sections with consequent spark formation. The pendulum motion of the movable electrode is preferably obtained by means of two fixed and one movable magnet coil, current flowing through one of the fixed coils and through the movable magnet coil in such a way that the ends opposite to each other present opposite polarity. Both the stationary coils are preferably located substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plug while the movable coil is perpendicular thereto. It is particularly advantageous to connect the movable coil with a spring bar and to guide said coil on such a curved path that at its end positions, where the movable electrode contacts one of the two stationary electrodes, said coil is moved against the action of the spring bar while, once the breaking has occurred, the movement of said coil is favoured by the action of the spring bar so that after having passed the central position, said spring bar brakes and retards the movable electrode and, once the second end position is reached, said spring bar blocks the electrode in that position. The current is suitably fed via a switch to one of the two stationary magnet coils, then from said coil, via a conducting line, through the movable coil and, via the connecting means to the movable electrode, from which the current flows via the stationary electrode to ground.

To obtain a better gas mixture the suction or intake channel directly at the carburetor has an air supply device located therein, said air supply device being mechanically adjustable and/or provided with an electronic rpm-dependent control means. Thus, even with closed throttle flap, the combustion air is fed to the carburetor at a very high speed with consequent very fme pulverization of the fuel, leading to an improved gas mixture formation and to an almost complete combustion of said fuel even under idle running conditions or at low speeds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further details and features of the invention will result from the following specification describing preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a view of a preferred embodiment of a break ignition plug according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammaatic view of an ignition device provided with ignition plugs according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the armature and the pole pieces of the magnet coil;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are diagrammatic views of preferred constructions and arrangements of the armature and the pole pieces of the magnet coil;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are diagrammatic plan views of preferred embodiments of the electrode;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view through a break ignition plug wherein the armature, the connecting means and the movable electrode rotate with respect to the stationary electrode;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the break ignition plug illustrated in FIG. 8, the lower part thereof however having a different construction;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view of a further embodiment with rotation of the movable electrode;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view through a break ignition plug, wherein the armature, the connecting means and the movable electrode are moved closer to the stationary electrode and to the magnet coil;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view through a break ignition plug, wherein the movable electrode performs a tilting movement towards the stationary electrode and the armature performs a tilting movement towards the magnet coil;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view through a break ignition plug. wherein by means of three correspondingly excited magnet coils the movable electrode is caused to reciprocate between two stationary electrodes;

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic illustration of the displacement of the movable magnet coil in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13;

FIGS. 15 and 16 are views ofa modified embodiment of the ignition plug of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The preferred embodiment. illustrated in FIG. 1, of an ignition plug according to the present invention comprises a housing 1 made of an electrically conducting, non-magnetic metal and substantially shaped as a stepped-down cylinder. The housing 1 surrounds a continuous cavity or compartment which, at its upper end. widens into a chamber 2. The lower part of the housing is provided with an external thread 3 provided for screwing said housing, with previous interposition of a sealing ring, into a threaded hole of the cylinder head just the same as any usual ignition plug. The lowest part of the housing hole is very much reduced in diameter just leaving free a central passage 5.

The housing 1 contains a cylindrical insulating bush 6 having an insulating plate 7, for instance formed of mica. placed thereon. On said insulating plate 7 there is provided an armature 8 which is electrically insulated with respect to the housing 1 by means of the insulating plate 7.

The armature 8 is rigidly connected with a round bar 9 formed of non-magnetizable, but electrically conducting material and rotatably mounted in a central hole of the insulating bush 6 and carrying at its lower end a rotatable electrode 10. This rotatable electrode 10 has a statinary counter electrode 11 cooperating therewith which is rigidly connected to or forms a single piece with the lower portion of the housing I.

The armature 8 has a magnet coil 12 placed thereabove. said coil being contained in a coil support 13 closed towards the outside by the protection sleeve 14. The sleeve 14 and the housing 1 are connected to each other by means of a further sleeve 15 made of electrically insulating material. The coil support 13 is made of an electrically conducting and magnetizable metal.

The coil winding is electrically connected at one side at 16 with the coil support 13 and at the other side via a connecting pin 17 and a plate 18 rivoted thereto with an attaching stud 19. The plate 18 is electrically insulated with respect to the coil support 13 by means of an insulating disk 20.

The coil support 13 is provided with a central inner cavity or compartment 21 adapted to receive therein a torsion restore spring 22 by means of which the armature 8 is again restored to its original position after each ignition. To this end the spring 22 is rigidly connected at one end with the coil support 13 and at the other end with the armature 8.

Care should be taken to ensure, on the one hand, a good electrically conducting connection beetween the coil support 13 and the armature 8 in order that an electric current may flow from the coil winding to the electrode. 0n the other hand, however, the armature 8 must be readily movable with respect to the lower portion (pole piece) ofthe coil support 13, so that the friction forces to be overcome by the magnetic force are not too high. The constructive measures required in each single case are however well known to every expert in the art so that the embodiment according to FIG. 1 illustrates only a principle solution wherein the current flows via a cylindrical sleeve 23 of the armature 8. There could be also provided additional resilient sliding ring contacts. Any other constructive step or device fulfilling the aforementioned requirements could be used as well. In particular. the current from the coil winding could be fed in any suitable way to the electrode.

The torsion restore spring 22 should have a sufficient force to ensure that, even at high ignition frequencies. the armature is restored to its original position in the short time that is available. Hence, the central inner cavity 21 should be advantageously made relatively large so that, without any constructive difficulty, it could receive a large and vigorous restore spring which is located therein.

FIG. 2 shows a complete ignition installation wherein the voltage of a usual engine vehicle battery 24 is brought via a transformer 25 to a value of more than 30 volts. A number of thyristors 26 corresponding to the number of cylinders of the motor is connected, on the one hand, with the transformer 25 and, on the other hand, with the connecting studs or pins 19 of the associated ignition plug. The thyristors 26 are operated by the ignition distributor 27 which, in well known manner, in the case of four cycle engines delivers during each second rotation of the engine a square wave pulse to each thyristor 26. In the normal case, the square wave pulse will have a width of 1/3000 seconds. The pulse trigger action takes place in a known way by means of a rotating magnet. Mechanically movable contacts are usually not desirable, but can be accepted in the case of already existing installations. At the arrival of a square wave pulse, the relevant thyristor 26 opens so that a current of about 0.52 ampere flows via the connecting stud 19 through the magnet coil 12, the armature 8 and the rod 9 to the electrode. The current flows to the plug body to ground. The magnet field which builds-up produces a magnetic force which opposes the force of the torsion restore spring and possible forces arising from the compression pressure and acting upon the rotatable electrode 10. When such counter forces are overcome by the magnetic force, the movable electrode 10 will be swung away by rotation from the stationary electrode ll with consequent formation. generally, of a series of ignition sparks between the opposing surfaces of the two electrodes, said sparks being fed by the still flowing current and the collapsing magnetic field. After the magnetic field has collapsed. the torsion restoring spring pushes the armature 8 again back into its original position wherein the movable electrode 10 rests against the stationary counter electrode 11.

A special advantage of the ignition plug according to the invention consists in that the ratios may be chosen in the sense of automatically regulating the ignition point (of time) in accordance with pressure. The moment that the short-circuit section line or path between the movable and the stationary electrode breaks up, depends, on the one hand. on the arrival of the control pulse at the associated thyristor but also, on the other hand, on the process or development of pressure rise in the cylinder of the engine, what may be utilized in the sense of improving combustions.

The pressure rising. prior to ignition in the cylinder, to a relatively high value should press the electrode. on the one hand. slightly against the counter electrode so that a vigorous magnetic field builds up in the magnetic coil before the armature lifts the electrode from the counter-electrode in opposition to the action of this pressure and the tension of the associated restore spring. On the other hand, this pressure must not reach an intensity at which the lifting of the electrode may be compromised. The ignition plug according to the invention fulfills however this requirement.

As is well known, at low voltages already a small air gap between the two electrodes constitutes a relatively high resistance. Since the magnet coil and the air gap between the two electrodes are in series with each other this means that the current fed to the ignition plug decreases very strongly already at the beginning of the breaking or interrupting motion. Hence, the magnet field should completely build-up already at the beginning of the interrupting motion and present an optimal value. At the very beginning of the interrupting or breaking motion the compression pressure present in the cylinder possibly together with the beginning combustion should assist the breaking motion, so that the movable electrode is brought as quickly as possible to its correct and suitable distance from the stationary electrode. The collapsing magnetic field possibly in connection with the still flowing current then generates a series of vigorous ignition sparks which are distributed over the ignition surface of the electrode. The ignition, according to the present invention, should occur in the form of a breakage or interruption, ice. the compression force which at first opposes the breaking motion, after the breaking has taken place, should assist said breaking motion.

FIGS. 35 diagrammatically illustrate different arrangements of the armature and the associated pole pieces of the magnet coil which are formed by the lower part of the coil support. These arrangements are chosen according to the present invention such that, for a progressive consumption or burning-off of the electrode, the intensity of the available magnet force does not change much.

In the case of the two-pole armature illustrated in the plan view of FIG. 4, the opposing contact surfaces of the armature and of the stationary pole pieces are inclined with respect to an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ignition plug. There results the advantage that, for a progressive consumption of the electrode, the active air gap changes only very little since the magnetic flux always takes the shortest path. This is represented by the perpendicular line between the two inclined contact surfaces which, as readily visible. for a progressive consumption of the electrode increases substantially less than would be the case with non-inclined surfaces. The inclination of the surfaces practically results in a superposition.

The embodiment of FIG. 5 eliminates the possibility that the air gap could increase as a consequence of a progressive consumption of the electrode since the armature is not located between the two pole pieces of the magnet coil, as is the case in the embodiment according to FIG. 3, but lies directly in front of the pole pieces of the magnet coil. The magnetic flux brings the two pole pieces of the armature to cover the associated pole pieces of the magnet coil, causing a corresponding rotation of the armature.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate preferred embodiments of the electrode. With the disposition according to FIG. 6 there is provided only one ignition and contact surface between the movable and the stationary electrode while in the embodiment of FIG. 7, there are provided two ignition and contact surfaces, for which reason the two electrodes are fin-like shaped. As readily visible, there also could be provided more than two ignition and contact surfaces in which case the two electrodes should be star-like shaped.

Tests conducted with the ignition plug according to the invention have shown that the carbon monoxide content in the exhaust gases may be considerably reduced so that without any danger whatsoever it has been possible to run an engine provided with such ignition plugs in a closed room. A further advantage of the ignition plug according to the invention is represented by the considerable saving of fuel, said saving amounting to more than l0%.

In spite of the strong ignition spark formation, the consumption or buming-off of the electrode according to the invention remains acceptable. A test conducted with an engine running for 15,000 km has shown a consumption of 2.5 mm at the stationary and at the movable electrode.

With the ignition plug according to the invention, the heat or thermal value plays no role at all or only a very small one. It need not be feared that the ignition plug becomes soiled when used in engines which normally have a small heat value. Conversely, the ignition plug is also suitable for use with engines with high heat values without any danger of over-heating. This is due to the fact that, according to the invention, the ignition surface of the electrodes can be shaped very large as compared with conventional ignition plugs or with the make-and-break ignition plugs known up to the present. The vigorous current flow before the breaking motion, the flinging of the electrode and the relative vigorous recoil eliminate every possible combustion residues. The heat exchange between the movable and the stationary electrode causes a rapid heat dissipation.

The electrode should be made from a suitable material with a very high molecular weight and a melting point of more than 3000C. Molybdenum or molybdenum alloys with melting points of 3410C are preferably used.

The preferred embodiment of the make-and-break ignition plug according to the present invention illustrated in FIG. 8 has a housing 31 made of electrically non-conducting material. The housing 31 surrounds a chamber 32 containing a magnet coil 33. The internal part of the windings of this coil is filled with a horseshoe-like soft iron core, the ends of which projecting from the coil form the pole pieces 34 and 35. The chamber 32 also contains a rotatable magnetizable armature 36, the rotation point of which is situated just under the center of the upper bar of the magnet coil 33. The arms of the armature 36 are just in front of the pole pieces 34 and 35, as shown in FIG. 8. A spring 37 which surrounds the rotation axis or shaft 38 is rigidly connected with the armature 36 and with the core of the magnet coil 33. It acts upon the aarmature 36 in such a way that the arms of said armature are maintained at a definite distance from the pole pieces 34 and 35.

The housing 31 has a connection shaft 39 extending downwards and forming with its lower end the movable electrode 40. The connection shaft 39 is fabricated from a conducting non-magnetizable material. The same is connected with the armature 36 via square pin 4] engaging into a corresponding recess of the armature 36. In this way. rotation of the armature 36 is transmitted via the connection shaft 39 to the movable electrode 40. The lower end of the connection shaft 39 forming the movable electrode 40 is located in front of a stationary electrode 42 which forms apart of a disk 43 made of a conducting material, said disk presenting a corresponding discontinuity adapted to receive the movable electrode. In this regard care is taken to provide such a distance between the disk 43 and the lower part of the connection shaft 39 that a flow of current may take place only at the contact surface of the stationary electrode 42 with the movable electrode 40.

The connection shaaft 39 is surrounded by a cylindrical insulating body 44 formed of two about equally large parts. the contact surfaces of which extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ignition plug. This subdivision of the insulating body allows for the mounting thereof directly on the connection shaft and for a simple incorporation of the electrodes. A cap sleeve 45, externally provided with a thread 46 serving to fix the break ignition plug of the invention in the bore of the cylinder head, is provided at its lower end with a shoulder collar 47. The disk 43 with the stationary electrode 42 and successively the connection shaft 39 surrounded by the insulating body 44 with the movable electrode 40 are introduced into said cap sleeve 45. The shoulder collar 47 prevents the disk 43 and the insulating body 44 from sliding down from the cap sleeve 45. Since the connection shaft 39 is provided with a shoulder collar 48 engaging a corresponding recess of the insulating body 44, there is also prevented possible sliding of the movable electrode out of the cap sleeve 45. Thereafter the cap sleeve 45 is rigidly screwed. with an internal thread provided at its upper end. to a connection or joining piece 49 of the housing 31 provided with an external thread 50. In this way the pin 4] slides into the corresponding recess of the armature 36.

The described arrangement renders it possible to interchange the parts deteriorated by consumption, (i.e. the movable and the stationary electrode) when a perfect and reliable functioning of the ignition plug is no longer guaranteed. It is therefore possible to continue to use the other components of the break ignition plug which in part are expensive.

The screawing of the cap sleeve 45 to the joining piece 49 ensures that the movable electrode 40 comes to lie close to the stationary electrode 42. It is only necessary to make sure that the rotation direction of the thread 50 coincides with the rotation direction of the armature 36, the connection shaft 39 and the movable electrode 40. In the illustrated example the thread 50 is therefore a left-handed one. To further improve the automatic adjusting of the electrode by screwing, the contact surface at 51 between the ring or disk 43 and the collar 47 of the cap sleeve 45 can be shaped in such a way that, by rigidly rotating the cap sleeve 45, the stationary electrode 42 is pressed with a definite force against the movable electrode 40 and hence against the spring 37 used for resetting the armature 36. This object can be achieved for instance by suitably roughening the surface.

In this way it is also possible to adjust the position of the ignition electrodes. To this end it is only necessary to screw up slightly and then successively to tighten the cap sleeve 45 with a definite force so that. when the two electrodes contact each other. the existing spring tension again reaches the original value.

With the illustrated break ignition plug. current is supplied via a joining piece 52 and then via the coil 33 to a contact plate 53. This contact plate 53 is connected with an elastic slide contact 54 adjacent to the connection shaft 39. To prevent discharge of the current via the housing 31 to earth, said housing and especially the joining piece 49 connected to earth or ground must be made of a non-conducting material. Thus current flows via the connection shaft 39 and the movable electrode 40 as well as via the short-circuit line between said electrode 40 and the stationary electrode 42, to the ring 43 and via the conducting cap sleeve 45 to ground.

By applying an ignition pulse, the armature 36 is attracted by the pole pieces 34 and 35 against the action of the spring 37. Hereby also the connection shaft 39 is made to rotate. The movable electrode 40 is moved away from contact with the stationary electrode 42 giving rise to an ignition spark whereafter the total circuit collapses.

Instead of the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 8 wherein the arms of the armature 36 are located laterally opposite the pole pieces 34 and 35 of the magnet coil 33, the armature can be situated frontally opposite to the pole pieces of the magnet coil. The stationary and the movable electrode may be shaped and arranged as already specified.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the break ignition plug illustrated in FIG. 8. According to this embodiment the cap sleeve and the stationary electrode are formed with a single piece 55.

FIG. 10 illustrates a further embodiment of a break ignition plug wherein the rotation motion, instead of by a magnet coil 33 and the armature 36 as illustrated in FIG. 8, is generated by a device wherein, similar to a rotation coil galvanorneter, a corresponding number of windings 57 is provided on an armature located between the poles 58 of a strong permanent magnet 59. A spring 60 surrounds the rotational shaft or axis 61 and is fixed to the armature 56 and a portion of the housing 31. The connection shaft 39 is connected via an intermediate insulating layer 62 to the axis or shaft 61.

For supplying current, one end of the windings 57 can be connected with the shaft or axis 61; the other end is located at the connection shaft or axis 39. When an ignition current flows over via the shaft or axis 61, the windings 57 the connection shaft 39 and the movable electrode 40 to the stationary electrode 42, the armature 56 moves counter the action of the spring 60. The movable electrode 40 is hereby moved away from the stationary electrode 42 (see FIG. 8) so that an ignition spark is formed, whereafter the voltage collapses.

FIG. 10 illustrates the arrangement with maximum deflection.

FIG. 11 illustrates a further embodiment of a break ignition plug wherein the breaking takes place by a transverse motion. In the chamber 32 of the housing 31 near the magnet coil 33 there is disposed an armature 63 which is maintained by a spring 64 at a given distance from the pole pieces 34 and 35 of the coil 33. When the coil 33 is excited the armature 63 is attracted counter the action of the spring 64.

The opposing surfaces 65 and 66 of the armature 63 and of the pole pieces 34 and 35 are so shaped that with progressive consumption of the electrodes the intensity of the available magnet force only slightly changes since the magnetic flux always takes the shortest path. Since the two contact surfaces are inclined with respect to the displacement surface, the perpendicular distance between the two inclined contact surfaces with progressive consumption of the electrode changes less than the distance in correspondence of the electrodes themselves.

The sliding or introduction of the connection piece 71, between the armature 63 and the movable electrode 67, occurs in an insulating body 73 which is also composed of a plurality of pieces. The connection piece 71 is furthermore provided with two collars 72 which may be made to enter into corresponding recesses 74 of the insulating body 73. The assembling of these components and a stationary electrode 69 located in correspondence of a disk 68 with the housing 1 is carried out by means of a cap sleeve 45 over a thread 50 as already described with reference to FIG. 8. As readily seen from FIG. 11 in this case it is hoever not necessary that the housing 31 be made of insulating material.

A further embodiment of the break ignition plug is illustrated in FIG. 12. Instead of the transverse displacement discussed with reference to FIG. 11, FIG. 12 illustrates a tilting movement of the armature 75 about a rotation shaft or axis 76 perpendicular to the axis of the ignition plug in opposition to the action of the spring 64. With this arrangement excitation of the magnet coil 33 causes the movable electrode 77 to move away from the stationary electrode 79 on the disk 78. The two-arm connection levers 80 between the movable electrode 77 and the armature 75 as well as the insulating body 81, thanks to a corresponding formation of the facing sides 82, 83, are shaped labyrinth-like to prevent the combustion gases from entering into the chamber 32. Instead of this labyrinth-construction there may be provided a sealing and guiding according to FIG. 11 with corresponding curved collars and recesses in the insulating bodies.

In FIGS. 11 and 12 there has been deliberately omitted any showing of the current supply via a connection piece, the magnet coil and connection means to the movable electrode and, via the stationary electrode, to ground. The current supply may take place, for instance, as shown in FIG. 8 or in any other suitable way.

A further possibility for a break ignition plug, wherein a movable electrode cooperates transversely to the axis of the housing with stationary electrodes is illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14. Chamber or compartment 32 of the housing 31 has two stationary magnet coils 84 and 85 located therein and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ignition plug. A further magnet coil 86 is movable on a guide bar 87 between the coils 84 and 85. The opposing pole pieces of the cores of the coils 84 and 86 as well as of the coils 85 and 86 are so shaped as to fit well with respect to each other. An increase of the distance of the coil 86 due to the displacement of said coil on the guide bar 87 causes formation of a uniform air gap between the pole pieces. The current supply takes place from a joint or connection piece 52 via a switch 95 to one end of the coils 84 or 85. The other winding ends of the coils 84 and 85 are connected with the conducting guide bar 87. From this conducting guide bar 87 current flows via a suitable take-up means through the coil 86. from this last component to the connection piece 71 and to the movable electrode 89. From this last component current flows via one of the stationary electrodes 92 or 93, the electrode ring 91 and the cap sleeve 45 to ground. The fixing of the connection piece 71 as well as the disk or ring 91 and the insulating body 73 (made ofa plurality of pieces as in all the other cases) is provided by means of the cap sleeve 45. The guiding or introducing of the connection piece 71 occurs as illustrated in FIG. 11 via a collar 72 and the recesses 74 provided in the insulating body 73. The connection with the movable coil 86 is provided via a recess in the core of said coil and a pin 88 provided at the connection piece 71.

The ignition pulses reaching the connection piece 52 are alternatively applied by the switch 95 to the coils 84 or 85. The windings are so wound on the coils that the opposing pole pieces of the excited coils i.e. one of the stationary coils 84 and 85 and the movable coil 86 present opposite polarities which attract each other. In this way the movable coil 86, as soon as a strong magnetic field has been built up, is attracted to the corresponding stationary magnet coil so that the movable electrode 89 is moved away from the correspending stationary electrode with consequent spark formation. In the position illustrated in FIG. 13 of the switch and the movable coil 86, said movable coil 86 could move to the right and hence the movable electrode 89 could be moved away from the stationary electrode 92. When the movable electrode 89 is at a sufficient distance from the stationary electrode 92 the current flow breaks up. All the coils are now nonexcited until the next ignition pulse reaches the joining piece 52. The movable coil 86, because of its inertia and thanks to the force it was at first subjected to, moves to the right until the movable electrode 89 comes to rest against the stationary electrode 93. This displacement of the movable electrode 86 contemporaneously causes the switch 95 to be brought into its other switching position, so that at the next ignition pulse current will flow via the magnet coil 84 to the guide bar 87. Hence, the movable coil 86 and the coil 84 attract each other and thus the movable electrode 89 is moved away from the stationary electrode 93. With this arrangement it is possible to have the movable electrode 89 swing to and from the stationary electrodes 92 and 93.

The actuation of the switch 95 can occur, for instance, via an elastic bar 94 which is rotatably linked to the movable coil 86 and to a pin 96 and over pick-up means 97 acts upon the switch 95. When the movable coil 86 is displaced the switch 95 may be actuated in this way. Thanks to a suitable arrangement of the pickup means 97 and of the switch 95 it is possible to obtain the result that the commutation occurs only when the movable coil 86 has already travelled a certain distance and the current has already collapsed.

Provision of the elastic bar 94 and of a suitable curved path 87 (differing from a circular path with the radius of equal length as the elastic bar 94) has made it possible, according to FIG. 14, to block the movable coil 86 in its end positions. This state is represented in FIG. 14a. When the movable coil 86 due to the action of the magnetic field is moved away from this rest position, this displacement takes place at first against the action of the elastic bar 94. Right afterwards in accordance with the showing of F16, 1417 the break motion between the electrodes is amplified or favoured by the action of the elastic bar 94, since said bar shows the tendency to relax". In its passage through the central position between the two stationary coils 84 and 85, the elastic bar 94 is relaxed" as represented in FIG. 14c. The motion of the movable coil 86 after the passage through the middle or central position is retarded by the tension of the elastic bur since the radius of curva ture of the path decreases here again. It is thus possible to have the movable electrode 89 strike not too vigorously against the stationary electrode, Since shortly before the end of the path 87 the radius again increases, the movable coil 86 is blocked in its end position so as to again reach the state represented in FIG. 14a. In the case of this special embodiment, the movable coil 86 should obviously not rest with its whole length on the path 87 but preferably rests on the same only at its two ends.

The switch 95 and its actuation mechanism may be omitted if the ignition plug is provided with two current supplying lines which are connected directly with the coils 84 and 85. By suitable arrangements as for instance the utilization of a double number of contacts in the switch housing, an ignition pulse is applied alternatively to one of the two current lines.

FIG. 15 is a view of a modified and preferred constructional embodiment of the ignition plug according to the present invention having the form of a rotor preferably actuated mechanically by means of the upper shaft l! rotating within the stationary housing 102. The rotatory motion of the shaft 101 is transferred, via the intermediate pieces 103-104-105, to the lower shaft 9 having the movable electrode 10 (cooperating with the stationary electrode ll) interchangeably connected thereto.

The surface 10 of the movable electrode 10 adapted to intermittently contact the stationary electrode 11 is saw-tooth-shaped or serrated as clearly shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 16.

The top portions of the saw teeth, each time they come into contact with and then break off from the stationary electrode 11, cause even under cold conditions the formation of ignition sparks 106 which are useful for providing the ignition.

The same result could be obtained by having the stationary electrode 11 (instead of the movable electrode 10) shaped with a serrated profile.

Special advantages result by utilizing the ignition plug according to the invention for boatand shipmotors or engines as well as for low running engines or motors, in this case the good cold-start features and the absolute insensitiveness against dampness being especially favourable and desiraable.

Tests have shown that ignition plants using the break ignition plug as well the air supplying device, according to the present invention, in the suction or intake channel considerably reduce the carbon monoxide (CO) and the hydrocarbon (CH) content in the exhaust gases as well as obtain a considerable saving in fuel.

In the case of conventional ignition devices for internal combustion engines the provision, according to the present invention, of an air supplying device enables obtaining a reduction of the exhaust gases and a saving of fuel.

it is well known that it is possible to obtain a reduction of the exhaust gases by increasing the air correction nozzle by about 30% and the idle running nozzle by with respect to the conventional carburetor nozzles. These changes of the nozzles, however, cause a reduction of the engine efficiency while the provision, according to the present invention, of an air supplying device does not cause any unfavorable secondary effects.

While there is shown and described present preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be distinctly understood that the invention is not limited thereto but may be otherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of the following claims. ACCORD- INGLY,

What is claimed is:

l. A break ignition plug and ignition device, especially for piston motors, with a current supply means, comprising a movable electrode means cooperating with a stationary electrode means, armature means, connection means, a magnetic coil acting upon said armature means via said connection means to actuate said movable electrode means, an ignition pulse passing through the magnetic coil and a short-circuit path between the movable electrode means and the stationary electrode means, the magnetic field building-up in the magnetic coil causing the breaking of the short-circuit path with corresponding spark formation, the improvement comprising at least one of said electrode means being mounted to be rotatable through an angle of 360 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the ignition plug, and at least one of said electrode means possessing a substantially saw-toothed shaped construction cooperating with the other electrode means for the formation of ignition sparks.

2. The break ignition plug as defined in claim 1, wherein said one electrode means possessing said sawtoothed shaped construction is said rotatable electrode means.

3. The break ignition plug as defined in claim 1, wherein said electrode means constitute exchangeable components. 

1. A break ignition plug and ignition device, especially for piston motors, with a current supply means, comprising a movable electrode means cooperating with a stationary electrode means, armature means, connection means, a magnetic coil acting upon said armature means via said connection means to actuate said movable electrode means, an ignition pulse passing through the magnetic coil and a short-circuit path between the movable electrode means and the stationary electrode means, the magnetic field building-up in the magnetic coil causing the breaking of the short-circuit path with corresponding spark formation, the improvement comprising at least one of said electrode means being mounted to be rotatable through an angle of 360* with respect to the longitudinal axis of the ignition plug, and at least one of said electrode means possessing a substantially saw-toothed shaped construction cooperating with the other electrode means for the formation of ignition sparks.
 2. The break ignition plug as defined in claim 1, wherein said one electrode means possessing said saw-toothed shaped construction is said rotatable electrode means.
 3. The break ignition plug as defined in claim 1, wherein said electrode means constitute exchangeable components. 